Not a baby anymore.

It's just amazing how kids grow so fast! Owen will be three years old in a couple of months proudly declares that he is not a baby anymore. He claims that he is a big boy now. He even listed a few things he will do when he gets bigger. He says: "When I get bigger, I will shave like daddy and drive!" Before I know it, that day will be just around the corner. But his best declaration is: "When I get married, I will get married in the temple someday."

It sure is a thrill to see him grow and be more and more independent. He likes to do things for himself, and gets mad when you help him. But there are still times when he wants to be close and be treated like a baby. I love those times. I guess in many ways I still wish he is still a baby. But I am happy that he is growing up so well. He is now over his obsession with trains. He now loves swords and he carries that sword everywhere. What a hoot!

He talks about so many things now. Conversations seem to be more and more meaningful with him. He likes to talk about his day and what he did even though it can be summarized in one word: "PLAY". He plays all day - no wonder Michelle is exhausted. I am sure I will feel the same way if I am the one at home.

One thing I have noticed with Owen is his extreme likeness to my personality. It's scary, knowing myself, and I feel bad for Michelle!! Maybe that's why she is even more exhausted when I get home because she has 2 kids bugging her! But all is well....

I do love being a dad. And also being a husband. I love seeing my wife and son at the end of the day. They truly lift me up especially after a long day at work. The commute to work has been getting longer and longer lately - with traffic and construction. I wish I could spend more time with the family. But I know that we try to treasure the time we have. As long as they both know that I love them and that I am there for them - I am happy.

Coming home....

It always seems bittersweet when you're wife and son leaves for a couple of weeks to see your in-laws. You start thinking about all the freedom you now have and all the unfinished projects you can now finish. But at the same time, you also think about how empty the house now feels and that is the true reason why you want to stay busy - so you won't think about how much you truly miss them.

I think in life we are given certain glimpses of what a thrill it would be to live a totally different life from the one you are currently living, but as soon as reality kicks in, you are then faced with that awkward, and almost sentimental feeling that you wish things were just exactly the way they were. It just shows how much we don't always appreciate what we have. And the more I think about how my life is with my family, I am filled with the memories of being together and just doing things together. I have now come to the understanding the true essence of quality time, that is, after all is sad and done, the true precious moments are the ones unplanned, uncensored, and almost downright embarrassing events that causes us to really appreciate the ones we love. These are the memories that help us stay connected with what we have today, and it causes us to have a real sense of hope for what the future may hold.

I sure missed having my wife and son home, but I know that it is important for my wife to see her family, and for my son to also get to know his relatives in Utah. Plus, I got to go out and stay up late and do random things without feeling guilty that I should be home. So, I guess it all worked out, and every one is happy, but now that they are coming home, it's time to go back to the family life - and I have no complaints about it. That is what we are now - family of three - and I know that we are happy together.